Pink recycling bin effort nets $2,380 for American Cancer Society

It’s been a busy month for Ashley Wills.

A community executive with the American Cancer Society’s New England division, Wills has criss-crossed the state this month as organizations and communities have stepped up their support of breast cancer awareness.

A community executive with the American Cancer Society’s New England division, Wills has criss-crossed the state this month as organizations and communities have stepped up their support of breast cancer awareness.

On Tuesday. Wills’ travels brought her to Fall River, where she was greeted with an oversized check for $2,380 to support the fight against breast cancer.

The money was made possible through the city’s pink recycling bin program. Businesses across the city were offered the opportunity to acquire pink bins for the cost of the bin plus a $5 donation. Mayor Will Flanagan said 152 businesses across the city agreed to participate and purchased a total of 238 bins.

In return, the city matched each donation to the American Cancer Society. The pink bin effort began in June 2011, with 85 businesses quickly signing up.

Participating businesses own their carts, unlike the city-owned blue and green carts available to residents.

Flanagan, whose mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003, said the effort took on a special meaning for him. He said that thanks to successful treatment, his mother is now cancer-free.

“This was really a team effort to raise these funds and make this contribution to the American Cancer Society,” Flanagan said.

Wills said the money will be put to good use, noting that half of all people diagnosed with breast cancer call the organization for advice or information.

“This money goes right to the cause to help people,” she said.

With an October filled with events and fundraisers centered around raising awareness, generosity, hasn’t been hard to find, according to Wills.

She said two recent events resulted in donations exceeding the $30,000 goal. Wills said such support has been big for the organization.

“Even in this economy, it’s great to see people are still coming out with their generosity and donating,” Wills said.